Advantage Home Learning Center

How To Tell When Your Windows Need Replacing

Everything when purchased new usually is given a warranty when it is new for a given length of time. It could be a limited warranty or a Lifetime warranty. These warranties can be over the tenure many different lengths. However, sometimes a product may last longer than this, so it is important to understand when you actually need to replace something to due to its age being the factor preventing it from operating like it did whenever it was brand new. We will be discussing some of the telltale signs you can look for to determine whether or not you may need window replacement.

Drafty windows

Windows have a seal around them which will determine whether or not air, which can be hot or cold, can get it. An easy way to check this is to go to your window during a cold day and stand next to it. If your window is not keeping outside air from staying out of the home as it should, it will feel considerably colder near your windows then it will with a window which operates okay. Windows should not allow any air through your home at an amount you can actively notice.

Condensation

So let's say that you go next to your windows, but cannot tell if they are drafty. There is another way to determine if your windows are no longer operating as they should. Windows are typically double paned and filled with a gas called argon which helps with insulation. But, if you see something such as condensation between the two panes of glass this is a sure sign that your window's seal is no longer operating as it should.

High Energy Bills

During the months of Winter, we tend to run our heater a lot, which will, in turn, raise your electricity or gas bills. If you have checked for drafty windows last year and have not changed your heating and cooling habits but your energy bills have risen this year, check your windows again. They may be the cause of your energy bill to spike in the summer and winter months.

Window Operation

Windows do all sorts of things. They can slide up and down, they can even swing out. This should be and remain a very easy task. If this becomes something difficult to do, this is a definitive sign of the window not acting as it should. Windows which have a wooden frame are at an elevated chance for this, due to the basic characteristics of wood and it's tendency to expand when it draws in moisture.

Contact Us

If you think that your windows are not working as they did when they were new, and would like to schedule for window replacement do not hesitate to contact us immediately by calling at (410) 612-0511 or through our online form

Roof Maintenance tips

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There are many things which can go wrong with your roof. Should it be old age, lack of maintenance, a big storm, or even wildlife the health of your roof is important to your home. Regardless of the cause, these can all be avoided, keeping your roof in good working order for much, much longer than it would if you had not maintained your roof at all.

1.Clean your Gutters

If your gutters are not clean, they can allow a buildup of a large amount of water. This, in turn, will begin to damage the roof, thus encouraging things like wood to rot, and even the potential to grow moss.

2.Clear of any debris

Branches, twigs, leaves, anything which may fall onto your roof should be removed. If this is not attended to this can causes the same issues to appear much like when you do not clean your gutters, except it can happen anywhere on your roof, not around the edges like your gutters will if left unkept.

3.Inspect and repair all seals.

If you see something just getting a little worse for wear, you should repair it. Leaks never get better over time, so it is important that if you see one, you repair it with something like caulk, or have someone come out and repair it for you.

So, no matter the issues with your roof, you can help prevent all of them by performing proper maintenance, thus saving you money.

3 Most Common Summer Roofing Problems

1) UV Rays from the sun - This is typical of the hotter, summer months. This is due to the fact that the Earth is tilted more towards the sun for the Western and Northern hemisphere. Due to this, shingles have a tendency to dry and crack under extended exposure of the suns rays.

- Roofing is supposed to last a long time, but it is the elements which bring it down!

2) Water Leakage - This is possible in the summer months. Although it is indeed a dryer time of year, when it rains, it rains HARD. So, if your roof has any sort of waterproofing issue, it can be most likely experienced here.

- This is important to catch early, as prolonged amounts of time will allow moisture to travel to other parts of your home, potentially causing other issues to arise.

3)Lack of Maintenance - This is not typically an obvious issue but can play a huge role in determining the overall remaining lifespan of your roof on your home. It is very important to remove overhanging tree limbs before they have an opportunity to fall on your roof.

- It is also something to note that gutters are kept clear and clean of any debris. This will allow water to flow out and down to the ground during a storm, instead of pooling up near your roof area.

Trust Our Experts

For any roofing problems you may be experiencing this summer, you can contact our experts at Advantage Home Exteriors today to schedule a free consultation.

The 5 Most Common Spring Roofing Problems

Spring is finally here in Maryland and it's more important now that the weather has started to warm up that you regularly check your roof for signs of damage. Here are the 5 most common spring roofing issues you may experience:

1. Loose or Broken Eaves

Causes: Autumn leaves that were left untouched can pile up on the eaves of your home, slow deterioration of these leaves can lead to clogging and overflow.

Solutions: Regularly clear your eaves of any and all debris that is present there. Check the screws and brackets to ensure they are fastened properly.

2. Animal Lodging

Causes: Loose flashings or siding, corroded facia boards and dormant chimneys are all places critters will seek shelter when the weather starts to warm up.

Solutions: If you have noticed odd noises in your home or have noticed an abnormal amount of wildlife congregating around your home you may have a nesting issue. If you are certain that there is an animal nesting in your roof then you should contact an animal removal service to remove them. After that, you should have a certified roofing company come and inspect your roof and siding for signs of damage.

3. Chimney Deterioration

Causes: Older homes need to have the chimney inspected. A common winter problem is that ice and snow rest on the top of your chimney. If the chimney is old, it is likely to have cracks in the crown When the snow melts during the day, the water runs into those cracks. Temperature drops at night can cause expansion and push the mortar and bricks apart. If this keeps recurring, it can cause your roof to leak and/or cause your chimney to fall off of your house.

Solutions: Have your chimney inspected regularly. If deterioration signs are present, we strongly recommend that you hire a roofing or chimney specialist who is qualified in this area.

4. Active Leaks

Causes: One thing that you’re going to want to look for is if there are any leaks or water damage inside the building. During the winter, snow and often ice stay put and may not melt or become a problem. When spring rolls around, all of the snow and ice begin to melt, and this can cause a leak in your building roof system.

Solutions: If you notice that the ceiling or walls have stains, it is a sign that the roof system probably needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Call our experts to have a professional inspection of your roof completed.

5. Membrane Separation

Causes: A sign to look for when it comes to flat rubber (or other membranes) roof systems on commercial buildings is if you notice that the roof membrane is slowly tearing or peeling away. This can cause serious issues underneath because there is now nothing protecting the building below.

Solutions: This is why a qualified roof inspection is the best way to see if there is any damage done to the roof that would warrant immediate repairs or other non-critical issues with the roof membrane.

9 Most Common Causes Of Roof Leaks And How To Identify Them

Let's face the facts. One of the biggest headaches any homeowner can face is a leaky roof. Nobody wants to run for a bucket every time it rains and replacing your whole roof is not always the best option. Our trained staff at Advantage Home Exteriors is specially equipped to evaluate any potential issues you may be having with your roof. One small drip can be an indicator of a larger roofing problem - and every homeowner knows that means time and money.

Not every leak requires a whole roof replacement to fix either. In an effort to save your investment we have compiled a list of the 9 most common causes of roof leaks and how to identify them. When leaks such as the ones listed occur they can often be fixed without having to replace your whole roof.

1. There is Cracked Flashing

Identifying the issue: Flashing are thin layers of metal that are installed under the shingles and joints of your roof. These can either be concealed or exposed. Broken flashing usually features large cracks

Identifying the cause: Often times tar is used to seal the flashing on your roof. Over time this tar breaks down exposing portions of your flashing. Weather and exposure to the sun causes the metal to dry out and crack.

2. The Vent Booting Is Cracked

Identifying the issue: Roof vents look like small domes or pipes sticking out of your roof. They are used primarily to expel moisture from your attic. You can identify if there is a leak by checking for dark spots or musty odors in your roof or attic.

Identifying the cause: These are often sealed with flashing around the opening and covered by a tight rubber boot around where the pipe sticks out of the roof. Over time this rubber sealing can crack and decay causing small or even large leaks.

3. There are Improperly Sealed Valleys

Identifying the issue: A Valley is any point in which two different planes of your roof meet. Since these areas are usually sloped, if they are not sealed properly rainwater can get inside as it runs down the roof. Search for wet spots along the seams of your roof to identify leaks.

Identifying the cause: There are many reasons that can cause this area to leak. Not having been sealed properly when your roof was installed is one of the more common occurrences. Though weather and exposure to the sun can cause the sealing to deteriorate over time.

4. The Skylights Are Leaking

Identifying the issue: Leaks such as this should be super easy to spot. If there is consistently a pool of water or small drips coming from the area surrounding the skylight, there may be a leak. However, leaks occurring near the highest point can be a flashing issue rather than a sealing issue.

Identifying the cause: There are two main causes for this. Improper measurement when cutting the holes for the skylight, and the deterioration of the flashing and sealant around the window.

5. The Gutters Are Clogged

Identifying the issue: Usually you can identify this when water pours over the side of your gutters rather than following its intended path. Another way to identify this is to check your downspouts when it is raining. If there is little to no water being expelled the downspout may be clogged.

Identifying the cause: Living in an area with large trees is usually the main culprit. You may need to regularly check and clean your gutters if this is the case.

6. The Chimney Is Cracked

Identifying the issue: Most of the time you can look for signs of wear and tear along the mortar or flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Damaged shingles and dark spots can occur where the chimney is leaking.

Identifying the cause: Weather is the main culprit here. When the mortar, which is just a mixture of mud and water, deteriorates due to overexposure to the sun and elements leaks and cracks can occur.

7. There Are Broken Or Deteriorating Shingles

Identifying the issue: By regularly looking at your roof for large changes in color and missing shingles you can identify this easily. Often times a broken shingle will appear as a slightly off color or lighter spot on your roof.

Identifying the cause: Weather is one of the leading causes of this. Strong storms and winds can crack and break shingles off of your roof.

8. There Is Buildup On The Roof

Identifying the issue: If there are leaves or other materials blocking valleys and joints in your roof water can pool causing the sealant to deteriorate and cause leaks.

Identifying the cause: Weather and clogged gutters can be a cause for this.

9. There's Condensation In The Attic

Identifying the issue:The space will most likely show signs of mold and mildew. A strong, musty odor coming from the attic is also an indicator that water has made its way inside.

Identifying the cause: Your attic is the highest point in your home and often the warmest during the summer months. Warm and damp conditions can cause mold and mildew to grow if there is a leak. This is a serious problem and should be fixed by a professional team.

Learn How We Can Help

Advantage Home Exteriors has the expertise to evaluate your damaged or leaking roof. We service homes around Edgewood Maryland. Call us at 410-612-0511 or click the button below to contact us online.